Botsfengselet, Heritage prison complex in Oslo, Norway.
Botsfengselet is a prison complex in Oslo made up of several connected structures, including a main building and a separate structure in a converted brewery building. The site contains different areas that housed various categories of prisoners throughout its history.
Construction of this national prison began in 1844 under architect Heinrich Ernst Schirmer and the facility opened in 1851 to hold long-term prisoners. The institution shifted its role decades later when it became part of a different system in 1975.
The chapel reveals how religious practice was woven into the daily life of those held here. You can see the spiritual space that served both prisoners and staff within the prison routine.
The complex sits in the Grönlandsleiret area at Grønlandsleiret 41 and is reachable by public transport. Since the site spreads across multiple buildings, allow time to walk between the different areas and take in the layout.
The site showcases different building styles and contains spaces that reflect advanced 19th century architecture for prison design. The conversion of a former brewery building into part of the complex shows how existing structures were adapted for a new purpose.
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